Courtney Lee, arguably Boston's best performer on Thursday, took the ball from Brook Lopez on Brooklyn's first possession, and cruised the other way for an easy layup. Rajon Rondo added a swipe of his own the next time the Nets had the ball, and, two plays later, Kevin Garnett got in on the thievery, with his theft leading to a Paul Pierce dunk in transition. Just over a minute into the game, Boston boasted a 9-0 lead, and refused to look back.

The first quarter saw the Celtics hold the Nets to 3-of-16 shooting and force seven turnovers, which they converted into eight points of their own. Boston held a 27-15 lead at the end of the first frame, and carried a 59-44 advantage into halftime. Though their defense was far from perfect over the middle two quarters, it ultimately helped the C's hold their lead.